Producing packaging for your brand and OTC drugs, nutraceuticals, and other pharmaceutical products requires special attention to detail. There are numerous concerns involved that include the need for child-resistant packaging as well as compliance to various government regulations.
There is also a great deal of innovation going on in the pharmaceutical industry. These include plasma impulse chemical vapor deposition (PICVD), unit dose vials, pre-filled syringes, anti-counterfeit, blow fill seal (BFS) vials, and snap-off ampoules. Products’ packaging solutions need their packaging solutions to be reliable and fast to deliver product protection, tamper-resistance, quality, patient comfort, and security.
The best place to begin is to search for an experienced consultant who can help you to step by step select the most appropriate packaging solutions for your products, whether it’s for a new launch or a product that you want to upgrade. Either way, your consultant will provide you with the extensive knowledge that will get your products noticed on the shelves. They will also be able to assist you with eco-friendly activities by advising as to what packaging is recyclable.
Types of Packaging Solutions
There are numerous packaging solutions available for pharmaceutical products. The most common are the plastics. There are seven groups of plastics currently available. These are given with their recycling identification numbers that are stamped into the bottles.
- 1 – Polyethylene terephthalate – PET or PETE – This offers your products good chemical resistance with a high degree of impact resistance and strength. It also provides very good alcohol and essential oil barrier properties.
- 2 – High-density polyethylene – HDPE – This is the most commonly used resin for plastic bottles. It’s compatible with a wide range of products that include caustics and acids.
- 3 – Polyvinyl chloride – PVC – This provides extremely good resistance to oils; however, it is vulnerable to any solvents. It offers very low oxygen transmission and an excellent barrier to most gases. It also provides very good drop impact resistance.
- 4 – Low-density polyethylene – LDPE – This is like HDPE but is less rigid. It is also less chemically resistant than HDPE. LDPE is most often used for tubes, molded products, squeeze applications, and dispensing bottles.
- 5 – Polypropylene – PP – You can use this for your jars and any closures. It provides you with a rigid package that has an excellent moisture barrier. It also offers high temperature stability with autoclave capabilities.
- 6 – Polystyrene – PS – If cost needs to be more economical, PS can give you excellent clarity and stiffness. Keep in mind that it does not provide good barrier properties and has poor impact resistance.
- 7 – Other plastics – Depending on the product, you may consider acrylic, nylon, fiberglass, polycarbonate, or polylactic acid.
Glass for Your Packaging Solutions
Glass is another form of packaging solution for your pharmaceutical products. It offers a range of benefits for your bottles, jars, vials, ampoules, and other items that make it ideal. Consider these for your products:
- Glass is rigid and strong
- It is non-toxic
- It is chemically inert
- It does not leech
- It is highly reusable
- It is very chemically stable, that is, chemicals will not leech into the container
- It passes Food and Drug Administrative clearance
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is the latest solution for you to consider for your pharmaceutical products. Once seen most often in other industries, this form of packaging is bringing pouches, foils, and films into your market space.
The advantage to flexible packaging is that it can help you reduce your packaging costs and minimize any waste. It is a new and unique way to attract your customers with new and interesting graphics and branding messages to make your product stand out more than your competition. Flexible packaging also helps keep your products fresh and in the best of condition.
If you’re not sure where to begin your packaging solutions journey, you’ll need to obtain a highly knowledgeable consultant who can advise you on the best packaging for your products. They should be aware of the latest regulations surrounding your packaging needs and have access to many numerous suppliers.
Choosing the right packaging solutions for your products can be difficult and vital to your branding. MJS Packaging offers the best customer service and lowest prices for your product packaging. We have exclusive access to manufacturers from all around the world, so we can advise you on the best bottles, tubes, closures, caps, and other packaging needs you require.
